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(Huang Doushi, Yellow Soybean) Sweet in taste, warm in nature. Enters the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian, Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian, and Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. Its function is specifically to broaden the middle and direct qi downward, promote bowel movement, and reduce edema. Whenever smallpox toxins arise in critical locations, fearing they may cause physical disability or functional impairment, have the mother chew raw yellow soybeans thoroughly and apply a thick paste to the affected area, which will immediately dissipate the toxin. If the toxin arises elsewhere, use Douyou (Soybean Oil), which is pungent, sweet, hot in nature, and slightly toxic; apply it topically to treat sores and scabies, and to expel head lice.

(Bai Doushi, White Soybean) Sweet in taste, neutral in nature. Enters the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian, Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian, and Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. Its function is specifically to tonify the five Zang organs, warm the intestines and stomach, and harmonize the middle jiao. Boiling and eating its leaves benefits the five Zang organs and directs qi downward.

(Hei Doushi, Black Soybean) Sweet and sour in taste, neutral in nature. Enters the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian and Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian. Its function is specifically to disperse blood stasis and promote urination. When combined with Sangbai Pi (Cortex Mori Root Bark), it removes dampness-induced swelling; when combined with Tongcao (Tetrapanacis Medulla), it directs qi downward; when combined with Ji Zi (Gallus Gallus Domesticus Egg), applied externally, it treats carbuncles and ulcers; when boiled together with Liyu (Cyprinus Carpio), it reduces edema. For any external ulceration that has ruptured, grinding the beans into powder and applying them topically yields immediate results. The bean's nature is extremely sticky; adding Zhugen (Boehmeriae Niveae Radix) powder eliminates this stickiness. It quenches thirst, resolves alcohol intoxication, promotes lactation, and expels retained fetal tissue. Long-term consumption causes emaciation. Those that are half-red and half-black are named Xiangsi Zi (Abrus Precatorius Seed), also known as Hongdou (Red Bean). Bitter in taste, neutral in nature, and toxic. It induces vomiting of pathogenic qi from the heart and abdomen, treating wind-phlegm, miasma malaria, and insect/botulism poisoning. Grind twenty-seven seeds and administer orally.

(Lv Doushi, Mung Bean) Sweet in taste, cold in nature. Enters the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian and Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian, circulating through all twelve meridians. Its function is specifically to resolve toxicity from metals, stones, herbs, and plants. When combined with Hei Doushi (Black Soybean) and Hei Xiaodoushi (Black Adzuki Bean), it treats epidemic smallpox lesions. When combined with Baima Gu (Calamus Rhizome? *Note: Text says Bai Ma Gu, likely Sesamum Indicum Stem*), it treats insomnia; the efficacy lies in the green skin. Removing the skin leads to qi stagnation. It dispels superficial wind and moistens the skin, promotes urination to treat distension, thickens the intestinal walls to harmonize the spleen. For ruptured smallpox lesions, dusting with bean powder is beneficial. For fractures of the hands and feet, stir-fry bean powder in a new iron pot until purple, mix with well water, apply on paper to the injury site, and secure with fir bark splints; the effect is miraculous. Contraindicated for those with stomach cold.

(Chixiaodoushi, Red Adzuki Bean) Sweet in taste, neutral in nature. Enters the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. Its function is specifically to treat vomiting, regurgitation, diarrhea, and dysentery, as well as wasting-thirst and abdominal distension. Grinding into powder and applying topically treats carbuncles and smallpox lesions.

(Candou, Fava Bean) Sweet and astringent, warm in nature. Enters the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian, Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian, and Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. Its function is specifically to tonify the middle and augment qi, consolidate essence, and firm the intestines. Once sprouted, it loses all astringent properties, becoming fragrant, sweet, and palatable. If a needle is accidentally swallowed into the abdomen, eat large amounts of fava beans together with Chinese chives, avoiding other foods; the needle will naturally pass out with the stool, which is highly effective. Some also consume it with Walnut Meat (Juglandis Semen), taking advantage of its ability to accelerate expulsion.